Whitman comes back to beat Whitworth in NWC championship

WALLA WALLA – Andrew Vickers scored 32 points, including 6 of 7 3-pointers, and Whitman rallied in the second half to defeat Whitworth 107-102 in the Northwest Conference Tournament championship game on Saturday night.

Austin Butler added 22 points and nine rebounds for the Blues (26-1), who trailed 55-45 at the half but shot 56.8 percent (21 of 37) to dominate the second half. Whitman began the half on an 11-0 run to move in front. After Whitworth reclaimed the lead at 63-60, the Blues went on a 9-0 spurt to take the lead for good.

Kyle Roach scored 38 points, including 28 in the first half, to lead the Pirates (21-6). Jordan Lester added a career-high 28 points and five assists. Whitworth rallied late, cutting a 94-78 deficit with 5 minutes left to 101-97 after a Ben College 3-pointer with 48 seconds remaining, but Whitman closed out the game at the free-throw line.

Isaiah Hernandez added 14 points for the Pirates. College scored 10 and Jared Christy gathered 10 rebounds.

The Pirates, who suffered three of their six losses at the hands of the Blues, must wait to see if they earn an at-large bid to the Division III Tournament when the 64-team field is announced on Monday.